Pine Tree of Hwayang-ri, Hapcheon

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.289

Category

동식물

Designated year

1982

Location

합천군, 경상남도— 경남 합천군 묘산면 화양리 835외 1필

Coordinates

35.696333, 128.126411

The pine tree of Hwayang-ri, Hapcheon stands in the middle of a rice paddy in Nagok Town about 500m above sea level. The tree is about 500 years old, with height of 17.7m and girth of 6.15m. The branches were divided at a height of 2.5~3.3m, drooping downward and the appearance is very unique and beautiful. It is called Guryongmok (Gu means tortoise, ryong means dragon) because the bark is cracked like the shell of a tortoise and the branches look like a dragon. According to tradition, Kim Je-nam from the Yeonam Kim Clan was branded as a traitor for trying to overthrow the brutal King Gwanghaegun in the 5th year of his reign (1613) and place the Yeongchang Prince on the throne. His whole family and closest kin were annihilated. The tree is presumed to have been planted by one of his relatives escaped here and it has long been worshipped by the local community as a village guardian. Since the pine tree of Hwayang-ri is biologically valuable and has been under the villagers' care and protection, it is designated and protected as a Natural Monument.

Location